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Flagpole a worldwide centerpiece for prayer
By MICHELLE JONES, Times Staff Writer LAND O'LAKES -- Sean Long thanked God for being present as the students gathered around the flagpole to pray at Land O'Lakes High School at dawn Wednesday. "When people ask what we are doing, help us to have the conviction to tell them about you," he prayed. "Help us to be strong spiritual leaders and remind us what we have to do to become stronger Christians." Sean was one of about 200 students who participated in See You at the Pole, a student-initiated prayer gathering at the flagpole in front of Land O'Lakes High. They joined other elementary, middle and high schools in Pasco County as well as several million other students around the world praying for their nation and for revival among Christians. A small group of teenagers in Burleson, Texas, came together for a weekend retreat in 1990. As a result they prayed for their schools, their friends and their leaders. The prayer sessions took hold, and more than 45,000 teenagers gathered at 7 a.m. Sept. 12, 1990, in four states to pray at school flagpoles before classes. In 1991, 1-million students gathered at school flagpoles all over the United States. Within a couple of years students in more than 20 countries took part. Melissa Hutchinson, 14, came because she just wanted to pray. "I will be praying for the students to have their hearts and eyes open to being receptive to the gospel and to Christ," said the freshman prior to the 7 a.m. starting time. As the sun began to rise over billowing clouds in the east, about 25 students held hands as they circled the flagpole. Gradually more and more students joined them, forming several circles around the pole. By 7:30 a.m. some 200 students were praying. Katie Stevens, 16, said she wanted to show others that she is not ashamed of her beliefs. "I want to impact the school for Christ," the sophomore said. Dean Wild, the youth pastor at Grace Family Church in Lutz, was there because a lot of the students are in his youth ministry, and he wanted to show support. "We will be praying for the country and for teachers," he said. A member of the youth group, Chris Sanchez, 16, said he will be praying for the school and hopes to spread the word that God is great and loves everyone. The students took turns praying, some quietly, most louder, all orderly. Matt Bennett, 24, was another youth leader who came to support the students. He is the youth minister at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church in Land O'Lakes. "As you used the small shepherd boy David to bring Israel to its knees, use these students to bring this school to its knees," he prayed. "Do what you do best, change lives." He prayed for the nation and for the continued freedom to pray. "To do what we are doing right now," he said. The 30 minute prayer time ended with Dan Hutcheson, 16, playing his guitar and singing I Surrender. Many students joined him. Richard Girard, 18, closed by thanking God for the opportunity for the students to be the light and fire of the world. "Let's give God a big hand," said Dan Clare, who graduated from the school in 2000 and now leads the worship team at Victorious Life Church in Wesley Chapel. "When I was here at Land O'Lakes, I was active with See You at the Pole," he said. "I came to pray for the students here and the nation as a whole." Max Ramos, principal of the school, was pleased with the turnout. "It is kind of nice to see kids gather for something positive," he said. "If they all become role models, it will help the school."
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From today's Pasco Times Editorial Letters |
